Agricultural Specialist

Agricultural Specialist

Company: Virginia Tech

Job Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Category: Farming and Agriculture

Type: Full-Time

Job Description

The Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SPAREC) and the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech are seeking an agricultural specialist (hired as an Agricultural Specialist III) to develop native grassland plant seed production on public and private lands as part of a research and extension program aiming to improve the commercial availability of native grassland plant seeds, build the economic knowledge base for native seed production, and train new conservation leaders. This is a one-year full-time position will be based in Blackstone, Virginia, and the job will involve traveling to collect seed, process seed, and work with private landowners, among others. The primary responsibilities will include collecting, conditioning, and transporting native grassland seed; establishing and maintaining seed production plots at SPAREC; collecting ecological data in field and/or lab settings; assisting seed producers with field establishment, harvest, and technical needs, as needed, with planting, maintaining, and harvesting other crops at SPAREC. This is a restricted position with a starting date is April 10, 2026 ending December 31,2026 (9 months).

Required Qualifications

• Experience with agricultural production, particularly with row crops
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to challenges
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors for extended periods of time in varying conditions
• A valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• An associate or bachelor's degree in agronomy, crop and soil sciences, horticulture, natural resources management, botany, or a related field
• Experience with native plant propagation
• Knowledge of seed collection and processing
• Knowledge of grassland flora of eastern North America
• Experience operating agricultural field equipment

Pay Band 3

Overtime Status Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type Restricted

Salary Information $40,000 - $45,000; commensurate with years of experience

Hours per week 40 M-F 7:30-4:30

Review Date March 27, 2026; open until filled

Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Arash Rashed at arashr@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

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